§ Mr. BURGESSasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that the sales of surplus Governmert machine tools at less than scrap-iron prices is adversely affecting employment in the machine-tool trade; and whether he will consider the advisability of holding up further sales, so as to avoid increasing unemployment in the tool-making industry?
§ Major BOYD-CARPENTERI cannot agree that machine tools are being sold at, less than scrap-iron prices. Sales of machine tools by the Disposal and Liquidation Commission are being made by auction, tender and private treaty, subject to reserve prices, and I am advised that good current market prices are being obtained. The quantities of machine tools available for disposal and now being sold are relatively small, and these sales cannot, therefore, affect to any considerable extent the manufacture of new machine tools. It is considered that the present policy of disposing of existing Government surplus stocks as rapidly as possible is likely to assist rather than to retard the revival of industry.
§ Mr. BURGESSasked the President of the Board of Trade what is the quantity of machine tools, ordered during the War, now in this country for disposal; how much of it came from the United States of America; and whether he will 730W give the estimated aggregate value of the machine tools held by the Government?
§ Major BOYD-CARPENTERI am having inquiries made, and will communicate with the hon. Member.